LE

LE

I think it would be a step too far for America to accept a black man as their Pres and a woman as the VP.

Personally I think it's fantastic that Obama has a very real chance; perhaps a real breath of fresh air for world politics. However, I am sure our american members will fill us in on all the internal gossip?

LE

I never thought that either of these two had a hope in hell of being president. I thought would be doomed in the primaries (at First McCain was struggling, and Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh are still furious that he made it). I'm amazed (and excited) to see these two where they are now.

Obama has great appeal as a speaker. He truly does speak to people. The 2004 democratic convention speech he made was one of the best speeches I have ever heard in my life. He is the product of an international and multicultural upbringing. He is also the grandson of a WWII veteran, and has an uncle that helped liberate a concentration camp. Despite criticism that he's soft, and won't have the will to fight our enemies, he is very aware of the threats. He simply believes that Iraq has distracted us from Afghanistan (where we are losing ground) and the Horn of Africa, where extremism and genocide are threatening to unleash a regional nightmare. He has praised the work of troops deployed in CJTF-HOA (Combined-Joint-Taskforce Horn of Africa), and been vocal on the continuing conflict in Darfur, where UNAMID peacekeepers desperately need assistance protecting the innocent.

McCain is a warrior, and has sacrificed much for his country. His son, Jimmy McCain, enlisted in the Marine Corps and has already completed a tour in Iraq (a fact he has been unwilling to use in the campaign, to his credit, he refuses to use his children as political fodder). He has had the courage break ranks with his party to oppose the use of torture and speak out on Global warming. He also sees the importance of finishing what we started in Iraq. He was critical of many of the post-invasion decisions that prolonged the conflict (like disbanding the Iraqi Army, and the use of conventional tactics in what was really a COIN operation), and sees that despite the faulty intelligence that motivated us to go in the first place, we have to somehow finish what we started. As he put it "we have incurred a moral responsibility in Iraq, it would be an unconscionable act of betrayal, a stain on our character as a great nation, if we were to walk away from the Iraqi people and consign them to the horrendous violence, ethnic cleaning and possibly genocide that would follow a reckless, irresponsible and premature withdrawal". However, he also seems to be ready to move away from George's unilateralism. McCain also said "our great power does not mean we can do whatever we want whenever we want, nor should we assume we have all the wisdom and knowledge necessary to succeed"

I would also like to see the Candidates themselves engage each other in a civil, and respectful fashion. Speaking on the climate on this side of the pond, people need to stop insulting others when they support one or the other. Both men are sincere, patriotic, wise, and capable leaders. I would like to call on all to engage in reasoned debate, and to always hold dear the free exchange of ideas. I urge everyone to listen to both, as both have profound lessons to teach.

I teeter between the two in who I support, but I'm leaning toward one (though I'm not going to state which one). I would be proud to serve under either

LE

What has serving his country got to do with being a good Pres? Did he volunteer or did he serve because he was drafted?

Don't get me wrong, i am not looking for a bun fight here, rather trying to establish the link between a the two factors. I also fully recognise his war record and the fact that he was a bit of a Hero so please don't think this is personal.

And, lets face it, there's going to be a a time when all those who served in nam and then went in to Politics are too old to be elected.

LE

McCain volunteered to serve his country, following his Grandfather and father into the US Navy. Pretty sure he didn't volunteer to be shot down over Vietnam.

One of the constant refrains on this forum with reference to UK politicos is their general lack of military service and experience, and how it would be better for all if those with their fingers on the button knew a bit more about the realities of military ops. As the US President is the Commander in Chief of the most powerful Forces in the world, I figure it'd be a good idea if he knew his miltary arrse from his elbow. That can safely be said of McCain.